Motor Vehicles FAQ

Please see below for the most frequently asked questions about motor vehicles.

  • Why am I being charged the $225 fee for "Initial Registration"?

    Section 320.072, Florida Statutes, requires a fee of $225 to be imposed upon the initial application for registration on certain motor vehicle registration transactions. Whether the vehicle is new or used doesn't matter. Basically, the fee is due on any private-use automobile, any lightweight truck or any motor home unless the vehicle being registered is a replacement for a vehicle that has been disposed of in the same category of vehicles.

  • When am I charged a late fee for my vehicle renewal? 

    Section 320.07(4)(a), Florida Statutes, specifically requires the delinquent fee to be imposed on any applicant who fails to renew a registration before the end of the month in which renewal registration is due. 

    The delinquent fee is applied beginning on the 11th calendar day of the month succeeding the renewal period.

    The exact expiration date is shown on the current registration certificate, therefore, the registered owner should be well aware of when their registration expires. 

  • Why Can't I Renew My Registration, even though the co-owner has a Suspension against their license? 

    Section 320.02(12), Florida Statutes, requires registration or re-registration to be withheld on any motor vehicle whether the owner or co-owner of the vehicle has a suspension against the driver license. It appears that it was the intent of the legislature for fines and parking violations to be paid regardless to which co-owner committed the violation.

  • Does my registration expire on my Birthday or the end of my birth month?

    Registrations issued in the name of an individual expire at midnight on the day of their birth date, except for mobile homes and commercial vehicles. Mobile homes expire at midnight on the last day of the month of December. Commercial vehicles expire at midnight on the last day of the month of May (if registered semiannually. or December (for annual registration).

    Registration issued in a company name are assigned a designated month and the registration expires at midnight on the last day of that month. 

    Section 320.02(12), Florida Statutes, requires registration or re-registration to be withheld on any motor vehicle whether the owner or co-owner of the vehicle has a suspension against the driver license. It appears that it was the intent of the legislature for fines and parking violations to be paid regardless to which co-owner committed the violation.

  • Can anyone renew my license plate for me?

    Yes, however, the individual renewing your license plate must provide proof of insurance, a copy of your current registration or a renewal notice and the proper fees. Fees are based on the weight of the vehicle and the type of plate being renewed.

    Some registrants are required to meet specific criteria when applying for an original license plate and registration. They are then required to prove they still meet those criteria every year upon renewal. Examples: disabled veterans, non-resident military, forestry, agricultural or horticultural and X-series license plates.

  • Do I have to turn in my license plate when I cancel insurance?

    When insurance is canceled and motor vehicle records indicate the vehicle is still owned by the same person and the license plate is still valid, the Bureau of Financial Responsibility, Division of Driver Licenses requires that the license plate be canceled. The plate may be turned in to a driver license or tax collector office.

  • Can I give my license plate to someone else?

    No, a license plate cannot be given or transferred to someone else. Section 320.0609(1)(a), Florida Statutes, requires that the registration license plate and certificate of registration shall be issued to and remain in the name of the owner of the vehicle registered.

  • Am I required to show proof of insurance when obtaining a license plate?

    Florida insurance is required to meet the requirements of Florida Statutes. Only insurance issued or countersigned by a Florida agent is electronically reported to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for verification purposes.

  • Why didn't I get my renewal notice this year as I have for the past several years?

    If a current motor vehicle record is on the data base, the information is pulled for a renewal notice to be provided. Although Florida Statutes do not require that DMV provide renewal notices for motor vehicle registration, all records are provided as a courtesy. Renewal notices are now provided for county tax collectors or private vendors to print renewal notices. A county may elect not to send a renewal notice to its residents. Even if a notice is printed, the notice may get lost in the mail. 

  • Do I carry the registration on me or in the car?

    Section 320.0605, Florida Statutes, requires the registration certificate or an official copy to be in the possession of the operator of the motor vehicle or carried in the vehicle at all times. Therefore, either way is permissible as long as a copy can be produced for law enforcement upon demand.